Red Hand of Ulster

In an ancient expedition to Ireland, it was given out that
whoever first touched the shore should possess the territory which he
touched; O'Neill, seeing another boat likely to outstrip his own, cut
off his left hand and threw it on the coast. From this O'Neill the
princes of Ulster were descended, and the motto of the O'Neills is to
this day “Lamh dearg Eirin” (red hand of Erin). (See Hand.)